New fashion all about the sparkle:

Australian designers have revealed their new looks for the 2012/13 season at the David Jones collection launch in Sydney and sparkles were the stand-out trend.

Even the always-stunning pieces from Alex Perry featured a very tasteful use of sequins in scarlet, black and pearl.

Collette Dinnigan also included sequins in her new range, as did Alannah Hill, Romance Was Born and Camilla.

Ahead of the fashion launch at the David Jones city store on Tuesday night, Perry said this summer will be about crisp black and white, touches of nude and bolts of colour, such as a classic valentine red evening gown, worn by Miranda Kerr during the catwalk show.

"It's simple but sharp, beautiful silhouettes and really intricate beading," Perry told AAP on the red carpet.

Perry's signature is his use of lace, which he said he sources from around the world.

"Italians do beautiful lace for me," he said. "(I get) beautiful silks from China; we used some French laces; all of my beading I have done in India by these incredible artisans over there where the sky's the limit and each season we come up with the most incredible things - beaded on lace or beaded on fine tulles and different fabrics."

Due to the detail Perry puts into his pieces, he says they are best worn for special events, such as weddings and birthday celebrations.

"Throughout Europe women make an occasion by what they wear and I know that we're very relaxed in Australia but I keep trying to drag people kicking and screaming... if you're going to something special... dress up for it, punctuate that occasion by wearing something beautiful."

At the other end of the subtle spectrum is the collection by Camilla, with sequins in a rainbow of bright colours.

Designed by Camilla Franks, her label famous for its bright, flowing kaftans, is continuing to add new pieces, with loose singlets, pants and even a very special swimsuit.

Looking like summer itself in bright colours on the red carpet, Franks said it was the first time she was showing swimwear on the David Jones runway.

"It's definitely colourful and it's all about digital prints and beautiful hand Swarovski crystals," she said of her swimsuit line.

"There are about six different silhouettes but you're seeing one on the catwalk today and that's basically quite amazing. It's 90 hours of hand Swarovski crystals (and) it's been exclusively made for David Jones..."

The one-piece caught the flashes of photographers and was definitely eye catching, although more for sun lounging than actual swimming.

Asked where she draws her inspiration when it comes to the vibrant colours, Franks replied: "I never really discriminate with colour.

"This collection's called Gypset - gypsy cross with jetsetter, so I got a lot of inspiration from people that... walk a path less travelled, whether it be The Beatles, or whether it be (1960s style icon) Talitha Getty or whether it be Frida Kahlo... so from people that are just inspirational to me."

Matching the Camilla collection in colour and flare is that by Romance Was Born, which features a comic-strip printed lycra onesie and dress, as well as a green and gold Wonder Woman swimsuit, and an overdose of sequins and beading.

Toning it down is Alannah Hill, who has used beading but in soft powder blue and cream.

The Carla Zampatti range is the epitome of elegance with a powder blue maxi, white one-piece swimsuit and the use of lace.

Those bright poppy colours we've seen in stores for a while now are still around too, with fluoro pink stripes on show in the Camilla & Marc collection; a watermelon and fluoro colour scheme in Thurley; fuchsia dresses and pants by Kirrily Johnston; and fluoro pinks and oranges by Ginger & Smart.

Alexandra and Genevieve Smart, the sisters behind the Ginger & Smart label, told AAP their collection, Neonature, is all about prints and colour.

They have taken their inspiration from the future elements of nature, they said, especially the colours of natural gases.

The overall hot-look this spring/summer is definitely sparkle with sequins, however there is also plenty of pastels and neons.

As for styles, expect to see more peplums, gowns with high necks, cropped pants and high-waisted shorts.